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Sunday, 28 February 2010

Motorcycle Real Road Racing Blog by Barbiegirl Northern IrelandWhat a lovely man Rubén Xaus is, and not half good looking might I hasten to add - a Spanish Catalonian, perhaps just Catalonian, who as a rider, is - was always so endearingly entertaining - dramatically, spectacularly flinging his steed around the circuits of the World, the all arms, legs, action man of World Championship Motorcycle road racing, and so what if he had infrequent breathtaking crashes - he was after all - Rubén Xaus, and didn't we love him all the more with each of those passing crashes?

In these past few years though, there's been a change of opinion, Rubén has changed - he appears to have reinvented himself as the class clown - the frequency of the spectacular crashes have been intensifying - alarmingly so, and worse - other hapless riders are being added to the equation - the lovely, cuddly wee Nori Haga - he who collected an unbelievably well deserved 3rd and 5th at the WSBK season opener at Philip Island, Australia. Even taking his place on the grid for the start of that first race was something of an achievement - more likely it was by the grace of his God.

Alarm bells have to be ringing somewhere - as a starter for ten - within the BMW boardroom - four crashes during one race meeting - come to think of it, Rubén never actually progressed to the actual races - his crashes all occurred during practice sessions, the fourth and final one in morning warm-up, an incident that wiped an unsuspecting Nori Haga from the fastest, scariest corner on the course - and sent the Xerox Ducati to the breakers yard.

Unexplainably, I immediately thought of another class clown, another rider adept in the art of transforming the sport of motorcycle road racing - into the sport of Ten Pin Bowling - that first Josh Brookes strike was disgraceful, the hapless Sylvain Guintoli the only faller - less so after the second Philip Island race - the second strike much improved but unfortunately, the HM Plant Honda bowling ball somehow failed to take out the entire Mallory ParkBSB list of entrants - several were left standing - only just though.

All through school, there was always a class clown, one of them in particular I recall, he was driven on by the adrenalin, the adoring fans - the fall guys - two of whom were lucky to escape from one of the clowns irresponsible stunts with their lives.

And the worst thing about all of these clowns - with practice, they develop this ability to eloquently explain away the fact the incident was of their own doing - disarmingly so - and you know what - they explain it all away with such conviction - you've just got to love them for it.

Sadly though, it's when you flick the coin over, and staring you in the face is the alleged egomaniacal complacent clown who has spent far too many years believing he is the all seeing eye of his alleged Lord and Ring Master, that alleged three ring circus - the MCUI-UC.

These alleged clowns are neither eloquent or disarmingly charming - the alleged clown for instance - sorry alleged convenor of the road inspection committee for looking after competitors' and spectators' safety for the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited, who so endeared himself to motorcycle racing fans everywhere when he warmly, charmingly, intelligently, eloquently - allegedly said, during the John Donnan Inquest, in response to the chief marshal at the 2007 Tandragee 100 claiming in his evidence, that he had warned the safety officers of the dangers of the now infamous killer chicane - 'I can't remember the man saying anything sensible other than nattering away in my ear. If someone is constantly coming at you it is easier just to ignore them"

And the worst thing about all of these particular alleged clowns of the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited alleged three ring circus - they actually allegedly believe their own alleged propaganda, the alleged lies - and you know what - we have to rid our sport of this alleged three ring circus, and it's alleged troupe of clowns.
Warmest congratulations to Eugene Laverty for his runaway win in the first round of the 2010 World Supersport Championship and to Jonathan Rea whose fighting spirit saw him come back from 22nd position to finish sixth in the second race, and what a race that was! MotoGP - eat your heart out! Match that if you can - and we'll all be extremely happy little bunnies throughout this new season.

Thursday, 25 February 2010

Motorcycle Real Road Racing Blog by Barbiegirl Northern Ireland
Having been just recently accosted by a few friends complaining bitterly because I'd failed to reply to messages they'd sent me - a heartfelt apology is due to everybody who has taken the time to send me messages via my online Contact Form and not received a reply.

Sadly, none of those messages ever arrived at their end destination - my email inbox, nor it seems will they ever arrive, certainly not in this lifetime. Instead they're apparently languishing in some unbelievably deep black hole in outer cyberspace, never to see the great light of day.

Just goes to show what I know about the finer technicalities of web page design and scripting - exactly sweet nothing - that's what.

Thanks though to my more Internet savvy friend’s advice, and the much appreciated assistance in setting up the new contact script using the free online form generator over at EmailMeForm.com - five minutes and my messaging problems had bee fully sorted.

Wednesday, 24 February 2010

Motorcycle Real Road Racing Blog by Barbiegirl Northern IrelandDuring the course of the relatively recent John Donnan Inquest at Laganside Courts, it was allegedly claimed there was nothing more stable available for a chicane at a real road race meeting in 2007 - than straw bales - white painted straw bales no less - very high tech, very professional, very cheap - very bargain basement safety measures for the new Millennium. If this wasn't a blatant lie, blatant perjury, I would just love to hear why not, and if it was, when are those responsible to be prosecuted?

The Rota-Barrier from Oaklands Plastics - an integrated plastic barrier system for track safety was available long before 2007, as were many other readily available systems. Using this Web Archive Link - one can view the Rota-Barrier on the pre 2007 Oaklands Plastics Website - simply select the pre 2007 year you would like to view.

As it is a fact that contrary to the evidence allegedly presented in Court by a Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited official, there was indeed a more stable professional chicane system available before 2007, are we to assume the real reason for using straw bales was something other than availability?

Please tell me those in charge of looking after competitors' and spectators' safety at the Tandragee 100, and all other real road races in Northern Ireland / Ulster - did not regularly sacrifice the safety of riders and fans alike - for financial reasons?

Before jumping to any wild fantasy conclusions, perhaps yet another brief delve into the finances of real road racing here in Ulster / Northern Ireland would be in order.

Apart from the finance raised from sponsors, allegedly extortionate competitors entrance fees, programme sales, advertising and such like, the Tandragee 100 has in the past also been probably - allegedly been supported by Armagh City and District Council.

First though - by law, the Barbiegirl Real Road Racing Blog is obliged to issue a Health and Safety Warning - for all those residents, and businesses residing within the boundaries of the aforementioned Armagh City and District Council, who stump up a hefty yearly sum for domestic and non-domestic rates.

For the purposes of this little exercise, intelligent guesstimates will be made, which begin as follows - in the period 2007, 2008, 2009, my guess would be that the Tandragee 100 motorcycle road races received from Armagh City and District Council, on behalf of their financially hard pressed residents and businesses, approximately £16000.00 - actually - perhaps I'm wrong - it may have been more like £16660.00.

Also, according to information received - for the Tandragee 100 motorcycle road races held in 2007, 2008, 2009, and presumably those that went before, the Roads Service as an Agency within the Department for Regional Development, was never allocated any specific funding for services rendered to these real road racing events.

Before and during the day of the race meetings those services included a mechanical road sweeper being used to clean all of the road surfaces, normally a two day task, and also making the machine available, with staff, for the duration of the event.

Roads Services also ensured all of the road verges and drainage systems were in good condition - and might it be pointed out that funds for all of this work came not from the MCUI-UC, or the North Armagh Motorcycle and Car Club Limited, but from the annual budget of the Roads Service, Southern Division.

Obviously, this is more than likely the case with all of our real road racing events throughout Northern Ireland - therefore we the taxpayers, are paying the bills - we the taxpayers of Northern Ireland, and the rest of the Unitied Kingdom are subsidising the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited - and the promoting Clubs, most of which also appear to be Limited Companies.

And now for the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited, allegedly poverty stricken I've heard rumoured over the years - perhaps if their alleged amateur volunteer officials allegedly weren't paid quite so much, if considerably less was spent on the alleged Company Officials benefits scheme, something altogether more stable than white painted straw bales - may have been available in 2007.

Insurance - one of the necessary evils of modern day living - but who actually pays for it? Yet again, I must have a wild stab in the dark, and pull from my knickers drawer the approximate figure of, and it is a guess I stress - £1,500.00 give or take a few £10.00 notes that a Club, usually masquerading as a Limited Company has to pay into the coffers of the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited for the purposes of promoting one National short circuit motorcycle race meeting - probably half that amount for a Clubman’s short circuit motorcycle race meeting.

You want to promote a real road race I hear you say - well in that case, I’d imagine you'd have to dig deep and stump up somewhere in the region of just under £11000.00 to the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited for your one National road race and approximately £21000.00 for your one International motorcycle real road racing event.

But of course, all of the aforementioned figures relating to Insurance for the forthcoming season - may have to be revised somewhat, probably upwards, for as I've alleged in an earlier posting - Insurance! What Insurance? Allegedly, the preferred pre 2010 Insurance Company, has allegedly performed an Elvis - and allegedly left the building.

Fantastic figures you might think, and that's what they are, fantasy figures from silly me, therefore they are of course alleged figures, unless the foregoing alleged figures should happen to be true.

There would of course be other necessary Insurance payments to be handed over - you know the sort of thing - officials would most likely need to have personal accident cover, practice days would probably be extra, and commission of course, etc etc.

God forbid an official was ever to be injured at a motorcycle race meeting here in Northern Ireland / Ulster, they'd get very little in the way of compensation - something really serious, including death - probably only between £60000.00 and £70000.00 - and then there'd be weekly payments to consider - sorry, didn’t quite hear what you asked young man - oh right - how much would you be entitled to receive if injured, or killed - are you stupid? What good is money if you're dead?

And there's more - more payments to be made to the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited, many, many more payments to be made to Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited, and here my friends - a Tina Turner - Simply The Best - The Roads Inspection Fee!

Yes - Yes - Yes! You read it correctly, it's not an illusion - it's the incredible Roads Inspection Fee which translates into £60.00 for every visit those nice people make to your chosen real road race venue, the very same nice people who allegedly look after competitors' and spectators' safety.

So who dare I ask - who visited the Tandragee 100 real road racing circuit prior to the 2007 event, and decreed it as being safe for competitors and spectators alike?

Who came to the conclusion that placing a ludicrous white painted straw bales chicane in the middle of a narrow, bumpy Armagh country road, would be in the best interest of competitors' and spectators' safety?

Who researched the availability of a professionally manufactured, and stable, interlocking barrier system for race tracks, and then decided there was nothing more stable than straw bales available in 2007?

Who within the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited - decided that not to use £722000.00 of a £1000000.00 (Yes! £1 million) Government grant for improving safety measures at our motorcycle racing events, was a really terrific idea?

Who are these morons that are allegedly in charge of competitors' and spectators' safety at motorcycle racing events in Northern Ireland / Ulster?

For the present, here is a suggestion for the aforementioned Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited - some of that £20000.00 that has allegedly just recently matured - spend it on safety measures that will significantly assist in protecting the lives of the competitors and spectators you're already allegedly supposed to be protecting.

And since the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited allegedly hasn't been capable of using £700000.00 plus of the very generous £1000000.00 Government Grant to drastically improve safety at our motorcycle racing venues - before jetting off guys - send it my way - it can rest easy in my account, less what I need for a few celebration parties, and the extended US of A touring vaction I'm planning.

Tuesday, 23 February 2010

Before The Heat Doth Cometh, a little humour to brighten up a cold winter day.
Did you guys ever wonder why A, B, C, D, E, & F are used to define our bra sizes?

A - Almost Boobs
B - Barely There
C - Can Do
D - Darn Good
E - Enormous
F - Fake
So this biker is riding along a narrow winding bumpy country lane somewhere in Northern Ireland, when this sparrow flies up in front of him. The biker can't do anything and so hits the sparrow. As he looks in his rear view mirror, he sees the sparrow lying in the road. So being the kind of guy he is, he stops, picks up the sparrow and takes it home and puts it in a cage, still in a coma. And when the sparrow wakes up the following morning, he looks through the bars of the cage and shouts, "Shit, I must have killed that soddin' biker guy".
"No!” said the boy and he kept on walking, but the motorcyclist pulls up to him again and says, "Hey kid, I'll give you £10 if you hop on the back"

"NO!" shouted the boy and he proceeded down the street a little quicker.

But the motorcyclist pulls up to the boy again and says, "Ok kid, I'll give you £20 and a BIG bag of sweets if you hop on the back for a ride."

At this point the boy turns around to him and screams angrily, "Look Dad, YOU bought the Honda, so YOU ride it!!
This engineering student was walking across the Queen's University campus when another engineering student rides up on a shiny new motorcycle.

"Where did you get such a great bike?" asked the first engineering student.

"Well,” replied the second engineering student “I was walking along yesterday minding my own business when a beautiful woman rode up on this bike. And you know what? She stopped, threw the bike to the ground, took off all her clothes and said, "Take what you want!"

So the first engineering student nodded approvingly, "Good choice mate” he said “The clothes probably wouldn't have fitted you anyway."
One Sunday morning, an old biker walks into church and sits down in the front row. As the preacher is beginning his sermon, the devil suddenly appears at the altar. The members of the congregation, including the preacher himself, flee the church in terror, all except for this one old biker in the front row.

The devil notices this one biker still in the church and walks down from the altar to confront him. He roars at the man, "Do you know who I am?"

"Why of course I know who you are," the man calmly replies. "You're Satan."

"And you're not afraid of me like the others?" the devil asks somewhat miffed.

To which the biker replies, "No. Why should I be? Haven't I've been married to your eejit of a sister for the last 25 years."
Peter and Mary decided that the only way to pull off a Sunday afternoon quickie was to get their 10-year-old son Marty out of the apartment, so they sent him out on to the balcony and ordered him to report on all of the neighbourhood activities.

And so it was that Marty began his commentary - as his parents put their plan into operation. "There's a car being towed away from the car park," he announced. "And an ambulance has just driven past."

Then after few moments of silence had passed by - "Looks like the Anderson's have company," he called out. "And that guy Harry across the way, he’s riding a new motorbike - and the Coopers over there - they’re having sex."

Bill and Mary shot up in bed. "How do you know that?" his startled father asked.

"Because their kid Sean is standing out on the balcony as well." Young Marty replied.
There's a guy sitting at a local Belfast bar, just staring at his drink. He stays like that for half an hour. Then, a big trouble-making MCUI-UC Official steps up next to him, takes the drink from the poor guy, and throws it all down his throat.

The poor man starts crying and the MCUI-UC Official says, "Come on man, I was just joking. Here, I'll buy you another drink with my alleged expenses. I just can't stand seeing a man crying."

"No, it's not that. This day has just been the worst of my life. First, I fall asleep, and I'm late to my office. My boss, in an outrage, fires me. And when I leave the office to get my car, I find out it’s been stolen. Well the PSNI as usual say they can do nothing, so I get a taxi to return home and when the taxi has left me off, I remember I left my wallet and credit cards in it. So I go in home and when I get there, I find my wife in bed with the neighbour. So then I leave home and come to this bar. And just when I was about to put an end to my life, you show up and drink my soddin' beer I'd just poisoned."
My thanks to whosoever may own copyright of the above jokes.

Sunday, 21 February 2010

Motorcycle Real Road Racing Blog by Barbiegirl Northern IrelandAccording to The Temple Motor Cycle and Athletic Club Limited website, having begun as early as 1921, one year before the road races act came into force, the now long departed, much lamented Temple 100 motorcycle road race was therefore one of the world's oldest such events, and most certainly, the first official real road racing event in Ireland.

In actual fact though, long before that inaugural official real road race, there had been many others, even here in Ireland. The first couple of guys with the necessary finances to rush out to the nearest Hildebrand & Wolfmüller dealer and buy themselves one each of those noisy, smelly, suspensionless dangerous contraptions - first time out on our barely existent wee narrow, bumpy, twisty country roads - they just had to, we all know it - as men do – each had to prove who had the better machine - who had the bigger golf balls.

Nothing much has changed since then - not quite a return to Neanderthal man but certainly to the days when Gladiatorial man entertained audiences with their armed combatant skills - those long ago days of Roman excess and debauchery - Hmmmmm - Drool! Drool! - All that lovely d e b a u c h e r y !

During the course of a rather pleasant evening with a group of friends last night, good food, gossip, flowing wine, and inevitably the subject of real road racing here in Ireland came to the fore, or to be truthful the current state of the Barbiegirl Northern Ireland Real Road Racing Blog.

Of the other seven - only three of the four guys, all under the age of thirty, were capable of naming a local motorcycle road racer - Joey Dunlop. Sadly, one thought he was still alive, still racing, and still winning. The three girls - well, like the four guys, they could all name more than one famous motorcycle racer - Valentino Rossi. Others mentioned were Casey Stoner, that Gorgeous George guy, Jonathan Rea, Eugene Laverty. Not a mention of a single bona fide Irish real road racer.

But had any ever taken the time to have a look at the generally late night recordings of our local real road racing events? Yes - and that's how our debate quickly descended into a 'Real Road Racing Should Be Banned' argument, with words such as barbaric, Neanderthals, Gladiators, and selfishness being much used.

The competitors in our local real road races, were in the opinion of the gathered throng, more akin to Gladiators participating in violent no holds barred confrontations with fellow rivals, each one as seemingly adept in the art of fighting to the death as the other, and all in front of an audience relentlessly baying for more, more, more.

Don't these Gladiators ever stop and think of their nearest and dearest, they asked? Wives - any children they might have conceived as a loving caring unselfish couple - children that their wives, partners, girlfriends may have yearned to bear?

Doesn't every female have the right to bear children - her husbands’ children, her partners’ children, her boyfriends’ children? Problem is, they made crystal clear, to many of these devoted women have been left to raise children on their own, whilst too many others have been denied the dubious privilege.

And what about their mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, the rest of the family circle, and their friends?

And the riders, when it comes to selfishness, they're not alone - there are the hordes of officials for instance, many allegedly keeping our sport of real road racing alive for their own selfish motives - real road racing funded lifestyles, real road racing funded never ending ego trips - and then there's you and me – me, the selfish uncaring bitch - the fans who never stop and think about the real cost of our sport - the countless ruined lives, the women who have to live the rest of their lives without their chosen soul mate, the countless children going through life without a father - school concerts with no father present, birthday parties, graduation ceremonies, wedding days - all without your father, but not to worry, once upon a time, your loving, caring, unselfish father was a real road racing hero - if only we could remember who he was.

The final question asked of me last night was simple, and straight to the point - if Northern Ireland were to miraculously have a first class MotoGP, WSBK, BSB type race circuit, a place where riders and fans, would be considerably better protected from serious injury, or worse, would I really miss real road racing that much?

Would you, or do you now truly believe and accept that each and every single real road racing tragic death ‘could only be described as a freak accident and a risk competitors accept in the pursuit of their chosen sport.’

And nearly finally, for now, what of our politicians, our Northern Ireland Executive Ministers up at Stormont on the hill, will they be swayed by the demands of selfish uncaring individuals, organisations, businesses - or will the whole dark sordid escapade become embroiled in yet more party political oneupmanship - and to Hell with the innocent lives of those whose opinions only count, come an election?

The Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited, allegedly touts itself as being the Governing Body that shall have jurisdiction in all questions relating to the sport of motorcycling within the province of Ulster (nine county area) - competitors' and spectators' safety allegedly being one of those questions - a question they allegedly failed to answer.

If Mr. Nelson McCausland, MLA, Minister for Culture, Leisure & Arts imposes any crippling draconian restrictions upon our sport, or worse - he bans it for Health and Safety reasons - I for one, will lay the blame, the whole blame and nothing but the blame at the doors of the MCUI-UC.

Friday, 19 February 2010

Motorcycle Real Road Racing Blog by Barbiegirl Northern IrelandOne never knows what interesting little items of interest one might discover when browsing the World Wide Web, like the other day for instance.

In their statement announcing the cancellation of the 2010 Tandragee 100, the North Armagh Motorcycle and Car Club blamed the "economic climate and other circumstances beyond our control" but also clearly stated that "The club has every intention to the run the race again in 2011"

Whilst its true there is still in existence an actual Tandragee100.com, one page website online which proclaims 'This is a future home page' - the domain was I've discovered, allegedly registered as far back as 23rd April 2003. Also according to records, the domain allegedly expires on the 3rd April 2010 - will it be renewed is the question, and/or ever evolve into the official website of the 2011 Tandragee 100 motorcycle road races?

Is there more to all of the aforementioned than meets the eye, something completely innocent perhaps, or sinister even. Perhaps when in the fullness of time, our sport acquires an open and transparent Governing body, all will be revealed.

Thursday, 18 February 2010

Motorcycle Real Road Racing Blog by Barbiegirl Northern IrelandThe farmer - he'd heard the commotion, but best to ignore it all he'd thought, and why not - he'd other more pressing matters to deal with, something more aesthetically appealing - and sure weren't there all those morbidly obese gluttonous pigs shacked up out there like fattened Lords in Hotel Le Hilton Farm - free 5 star accommodation, free meal tickets, and all that lovely lolly to count - what was the point of him worrying - sure hadn't those fat pigs been in control for years.

Next morning though - in the wake of the overnight undignified public disagreement over farm yard health and safety, the chickens had flown their coup, the horses had bolted from the unlocked stables, the cows - they'd contracted mad cow disease, gone off to rave - and that wee girl Mary - she'd only gone off with the soddin' lambs.

And the morbidly obese gluttonous pigs - they'd also heard the commotion, told the dogs in the street - 'Sounded like a lot of nattering - you know - that's what all those crazy animals ever did you know - natter, natter, natter, natter - all day long - so wasn't it easier just to ignore them'

My apologies, I digress - really must stay away from farmers - especially late at night - God only knows what might happen when you're having fun. The whole place could come tumbling down around your ears - worse - no breakfast when the dishes have run away with the spoons.

Open and Transparent Government - who amongst us, hasn't heard, or read those much quoted words these past few years?

Open and transparent governance. No, not Stormont - my fault entirely - yes, I know Stormont should be leading by example, sadly though, our political leaders don't appear to have yet grasped the concept of meaningful openness and transparency in public administration, but what I'm referring to is the governing body of all things motorcycle sport within the boundaries of the nine county area that is Ulster.

According to their own rules, the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited have jurisdiction in all questions relating to the sport of motorcycling within the province of Ulster, and their very first objective is to act as Governing Body within the territory controlled by the Centre in all matters relating to motorcycle competitions.

Under their code of ethics the MCUI-UC agrees amongst other things, that sporting integrity is based on the acceptance of moral conduct and a sense of what is right. They also point out that unethical behaviours are unacceptable and they reserve the right to discipline any of its affiliated clubs and bodies, members, officials or competition license holders involved in such activities.

Furthermore, they agree to set a good example at all times, sign and agree to relevant Codes of Conduct - who'd have believed it? This can't possibly be the same Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited whose officials have allegedly brought our sport of motorcycle racing into disrepute - surely not!

If the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited is even remotely serious about saving our sport, then as our governing body, they can demonstrate their good intentions with immediate openness and transparency. Just for starters, they can explain why all of those responsible for the current crisis within our sport, have not been severely disciplined - and unceremoniously kicked out of their cushy offices.

The Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited must come clean - for instance, since they allegedly spend a mere pittance on safety measures to protect the riders and spectators, what are they doing with all of the generated funds. To begin with, they should without further delay, publish for all concerned to see and debate, exactly how much money is paid year on year - directly to the MCUI-UC officials, along with the cost of other officials benefits throughout the season - accommodation, meals, travel etc etc. And then there are the investments - how much - and where?

In the United States of America they allegedly have citizen empowerment, so I propose, we the fans of motorcycle road racing within the nine counties of Ulster, must be afforded spectator empowerment within the sport we unflinchingly support as paying spectators - customers.

Likewise, and rightly so, those who risk their lives the most, the riders, they must be afforded competitor empowerment within the sport they unflinchingly support, with extortionate entrance fees, and at times - their lives.

Our voices must be heard, and the concerns we have for our sport, and most especially the concerns we have regarding those responsible for it's virtual collapse through alleged negligence, must be heeded by Mr. Nelson McCausland the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010

Motorcycle Real Road Racing Blog by Barbiegirl Northern Ireland
All aboard! All aboard! Tickets at the ready if you please! Welcome one and all to the next thrilling white knuckle ride on our horrific, terrific, awe inspiring, jaw dropping, rollercoaster ride into the weird and wonderful world of Northern Irish motorcycle road racing.

For those who've been living in ignorance of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 (the Corporate Manslaughter Act 2007) - please allow me the pleasure of explaining, as simply as is possible - the finer points.

The Corporate Manslaughter Act 2007 was introduced to make it easier for the relevant authorities to successfully prosecute organisations where a management failing has led to a death. Under the Corporate Manslaughter Act 2007, an organisation is guilty of an offence if the way in which its activities are managed or organised by its officials, managers, causes a person's death. The Act has been criticised by many for not going far enough in relation to the liability of management officials but prosecutions have already allegedly shown that where necessary the authorities will use relevant existing laws against company directors and other management officials.

Under this relatively new act, companies can, and have already been charged with the criminal offence of corporate manslaughter, and furthermore, individual directors can, and have also been charged with the common law offence of gross negligence manslaughter. If found guilty, companies can expect to face unlimited fines whilst directors can face life imprisonment.

Clearly, whilst changing the status of the MCUI-UC and many of our Motor Sport clubs to that of Limited Company, might well have had benefits for many in years past, it should now be blatantly obvious to many 'Officials / Directors'' of these aforementioned Limited Companies - the immunity they had in days gone past - it no longer exists.

Every single person must be fully aware of all relevant regulations and legislation and take responsibility for improving health and safety at our motorcycle race meetings - road and track. Any company that fails to have in place the most robust of health and safety procedures - that company and its directors deserves to face the full rigours of the law.

With the foregoing in mind, ask yourself this - how is it possible to satisfactorily implement the current health and safety legislation at a motorcycle road race?

Allegedly, the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) have, or had within their ranks, an official with the alleged grand title - convenor of the road inspection committee for looking after competitors' and spectators' safety - and we all know the path that took us down - so how do you ensure the safety of riders, and spectators alike?

For now, let's consider those people, not riding the motorcycles, who could possibly be at risk - the fans, the photographers, the officials, the assembled team personnel.

The fans, also known as spectators, you, me, him, her over there - also referred to as customers in some quarters - and that is precisely where we could very well be going. Too many spectators are permitted to put themselves in the firing line - standing by the edge of a narrow, twisting, bumpy road, inches away from where a sometimes barely in control 200bhp, 170 kilos, racing motorcycle, passes you by at 170mph - is irresponsible in the extreme.

Designated prohibited areas at many of our road race circuits, and tracks, are ill thought out, if thought out at all. To be honest, most times I wonder if 'Prohibited Area' signs are merely placed for cosmetic purposes, part of a non-existent strategic safety plan.

The proposal is simple; replace 'Prohibited Area' signs with 'Spectator Viewing Area' signs, so rendering all other areas - 'Prohibited to All Spectators'

Within these designated spectator viewing areas, there would of course be 'Spectator Grandstands' - 'Customer Grandstands' all situated a suitably safe distance from the ever present dangers within the vicinity of the roads. 'Customer Grandstands' protected with adequate catch fencing capable of stopping a crashing, airborne speeding motorcycle.

Obviously - all fans of real road racing, would in the interest of our own safety, and the safety of our sports idols, and for the unwavering love of our sport - gladly pay the required grandstand admittance fees. And why wouldn't we - after all, the revenue generated would more than likely be put to good use - for the future (if indeed it has a future) of our sport - even I know that.

'Photographers Only Areas' must also be designated - for all those hordes of 'Professional Sports Photographers' we see risking life and limb at every real road race, and let me assure each and every fan, many of these self proclaimed 'Professional Sports Photographers' are risking the lives, and limbs of the riders and fans, as well as their own. Therefore, a fee is in order - a £5000.00 annual licence, which would include public liability insurance, and ensure they each fully understand, and undertake to abide by all relevant Health and Safety Laws, or risk the real possibility of prosecution.

Team personnel have also to be protected, - from low flying motorcycles, from officials, and themselves. The average motorcycle racing paddock is a highly dangerous environment, and urgently needs to be brought into line with all relevant Health and Safety Laws. If ever there is a major disaster waiting to happen, it's within the boundaries of the paddock area of a motorcycle racing event.

And finally for now - the Officials and Directors - who, as I've described in an earlier posting - seem to descend upon each real road race meeting like a plague of locusts. These people appear to think they're indestructible - look at many of the online video clips, the thousands of photographs - and where are some of these officials regularly standing? Directly in the firing line of a barely in control 200bhp, 170 kilos, 170mph racing motorcycle.

This long standing problem has an easy unacceptably overdue painful remedy - all officials must be Government tested, and licensed - all officials must undergo a theoretical learning and practical training period - then pass a theory test, followed by a comprehensive practical test.

From what I've witnessed at past motorcycle road racing events, some of the current officials are barely capable of assisting and/or protecting themselves let alone any rider or spectator.

And how do we protect the riders? A seemingly impossible task, but the risks can be substantially lessened - that however will a subject for a later posting.

Saturday, 13 February 2010

Motorcycle Real Road Racing Blog by Barbiegirl Northern Ireland
Saturday being what it is, the day following Friday night, the day of hangovers, the day that becomes Saturday night - here's a post from the filing cabinet.

Is it my imagination or do we have a new breed of motorcycle road racing fan emerging from the throngs - those who don't appear to care one way or the other about our staple diet of national real road racing, nothing seems to worry them, except that the North West 200 proceeds unhindered, maybe the Ulster Grand Prix as well.

From conversations I've had, articles I've read, the general consensus of opinion amongst these fans seem relatively simple - the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure will never impose restrictions on either event, purely on economic grounds, and apparently for another good reason - allegedly according to some, the North West 200 is a DUP event, as in the Democratic Unionist Party. Therefore it presumably follows, that since we 'currently' have a DUP Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, this is one event he wouldn't dare meddle with.

According to many, the revenue generated by the huge number of fans attending the NW200 in particular, pumps much needed countless thousands of pounds, and euros, into the local economy.

Have I been attending a different North West 200 these past years? Should I borrow a pair of rose tinted glasses, better yet, a pair of alcohol fuelled stupor tinted glasses. What do these fans actually see when they attend either of these real road racing events?

I've been attending all my life, though to be honest, for the best part of my informative years, my memories our mainly of noise, lots of people, drunks, and smelly motorbikes. Nonetheless, even I know the glory years of the NW200, and the UGP have passed into history, along with the fans, or as many of them were - day trippers on a family outing with a difference, families with disposable income to spend, money they spent in the local shops of the NW200 Triangle.

Leaked figures show what many had surmised, the number of people attending last years NW200 event (2009) - was abysmal in the extreme. The volume of traffic was equal to an average winter weekend, and the people on the ground, just as bad. True, the weather played its part, but year on year, the figures have been dropping, and alarmingly so - therefore so has the financial gains of the local economy.

The UGP doesn't enter into the equation, there are no shops, nought for families - apart from the car parking entertainment, as in watching all those poor sods fruitlessly trying to extract their cars from the swamp masquerading as an official car park.

Putting to one side the fact we're in the middle of a rather prolonged recession, where exactly is the now substantially reduced pot of cash spent within the aforementioned NW200 Triangle?

Mobile ice cream traders, mobile fish and chip traders, burger van guys, and the rest, all mainly from all areas of the province, but how many hail from around the actual triangle?

Hardly the traders in the paddock either, last time I had a browse around, most appeared to be from outside of our wee country.

Paddock entrance fees, spectator enclosure fees, revenue from programmes, advertising revenue, traders pitch fees, official car parking fees, plus the money from the camping, caravan and motor homes brigade, and so much more, and most or all of this generated cash allegedly goes directly to the promoting club - the Coleraine and District Motor Club Limited, yet another Limited Company - a business, which incidentally also receives funds from the local taxes pot, along with various sponsorship deals, etc, etc.

And now that we've had the briefest of looks at how income is allegedly generated by the NW200 promoting club, a Limited Company, let's take the next step and follow the trail of money as it then finds its way into the local economy.

Despite the sharp drop in attending fans along with their disposable income, year on year, the cost of staging such an event is forever increasing. Consider therefore, two areas of high expenditure - appearance fees, expenses, call it what you like, the more influential of the UK mainland teams allegedly demand and receive these participation payments. Others who can least afford to, have to dig deep and pay their own way, along with an entrance fee, which in all probability, helps to offset the expenses paid out to the Gods of our sport, and for once, I'm not referring to MCUI-UC officials. And since the majority of these riders and teams stay at the Paddock Hilton, in luxury mobile home suites, the rest in Paddock Camptown, how does any of the foregoing assist the local North West economy.

And then we have the alleged salaries, payments, and expenses to the officials - sorry - perhaps that should be Officials and Directors - who seem to descend upon the North West Triangle each weekend of the North West 200 like a plague of locusts.

Anyone care to take a punt, put a total figure on the foregoing alleged salaries, payments, and expenses? I wonder how many of those Officials live within the Coleraine, Portrush, Portstewart Triangle - what percentage of those alleged salaries, payments, expenses finds it's way into the economy of the local area.

On the plus side, more than likely though, the accommodation sector benefits from the NW200, all those officials, Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited officials allegedly making full use of the alleged ludicrously generous perks associated with their roles of volunteer amateur officialdom.

As is normal practice, the leg work of the Government enquiry into our sport of motorcycle road racing, will be carried out by Civil Servants, not the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, and don't we all know the mindset of the average civil servant.

This is not a time for complacency, and this is most definitely not the time for burying your head in the sand. Very soon - within weeks - Senior Coroner John Leckey is to hold the Inquest into the death of Martin Finnegan, before the first road race of the season - if any more skeletons emerge from the cupboard, we won't have a sport.

This is the time when every true caring fan of our sport must stand up and be counted - and join the campaign to cleanse our sport of those who would destroy it.

The sport of motorcycle road racing - real road racing - real motorcycle road racing - call it what you will, but take heed - our sport is in crisis, on the verge of becoming extint, perhaps not this year, but will there be a next year? If for instance instead of a ban, a Health and Safety overseer is appointed, will any of our circuits be deemed safe? And insurance - without it, our sport is finished, permantly.

Friday, 12 February 2010

Motorcycle Real Road Racing Blog by Barbiegirl Northern Ireland
This posting is going to be short, haven't yet fully recovered from the earlier high speed trip, quite possibly it could overload the brain, mine in particular, and well it is Friday night don't you know - it's the night of glad rags, winding down with a few aperitifs, friends, gossiping, and you know the sort of thing.

Isn't it wonderful, with each passing day, you're a day older, and wiser, like today for instance - I learned something new.

Did you know, thought you might, one phone call is all it takes and a fully qualified electrical or gas inspector arrives at the door - the electrical or the gas installation is checked for safety, money is exchanged for a certificate assuring me that nowhere in my cosy little apartment, will I run the risk of being electrocuted, or overcome by poisonous fumes. On the other hand though, should I suffer some personal injury, or worse, due to the negligence of the safety inspector, there is a person, and a business (Limited Company) both of whom can be held responsible.

Why? Simple really, or so I've been advised - the Limited Company in accepting to carry out the safety assessment, and in charging me a fee, entered into a legally binding contract, plus - they presented me with a Safety Certificate.

Let's now consider another scenario, a motorcycle club, also a Limited Company, well most of them are these days, not looking such a good idea today though - anyway, I digress, this motorcycle club promotes a motorcycle road race on an annual basis, and each year they require a Certificate of approval - a Track Certificate, also referred to in some quarters, allegedly, as a Track Safety Certificate.

The procedure for obtaining this certificate is similar to the previous scenario, the customer contacts the MCUI-UC aka Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited who after receiving payment, allegedly send their officials to the circuit to be used for the aforementioned motorcycle road race, where said officials in their role as Roads Inspection Committee inspect the proposed circuit - then all things being equal, a Track Certificate approving the circuit for use as motorcycle road race event, is issued to the naturally delighted customer.

A legally binding contract was willingly entered into by the two parties, but in this scenario, tragedy strikes - the course was anything but safe, yet a team of officials - officials allegedly responsible for looking after competitors' and spectators' safety for the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited had deemed the circuit to be safe, allegedly.

If the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited officials, were found to have been negligent, most likely, and this is another issue I sought clarification on, the Directors of the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited could allegedly be held liable.

Likewise, if the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited, God forbid, were to at some point in time send any incompetent buffoons to inspect a circuit, then the Directors could allegedly be held responsible, and allegedly be liable for any ensuing consequences.

What is interesting though is the rumour that allegedly and I do mean allegedly, there are those who are of the opinion, since the promoting clubs are running the events, it follows that the clubs, and their officials would possibly, allegedly be responsible should things go wrong.

Well my fellow travellers, as I've said, it's Friday night, let's not depress ourselves further, tomorrow is another new day, we will be another day older, hopefully somewhat wiser. Perhaps I will awaken with the knowledge that alcohol isn't good for the body, the mind - possibly yes - for a short time.

Motorcycle Real Road Racing Blog by Barbiegirl Northern Ireland
Refreshed after our first foray into the world of finance, it had been my intention to steer us further in that direction, however, just for the moment a detour might be in order.

Separating elements that are part and parcel of a professional interlocked system, as indeed many elements are within a Limited Company, can I'm sure you'll appreciate, be more than a trifle difficult.

In these circumstances, finance is inevitably interlocked with liability, stringently so in law, though there are those who rather than face reality, would prefer to bury their heads somewhere unpleasant, pray the manure will bring forth the roses.

Others have allegedly taken advice though, allegedly resigned, but that in itself doesn't automatically release anyone from liability.

Indeed, the responsibilities that accompany the role of a Company Director, even an acting Company Director, are huge in any terms, as are the legal implications, and so one has to wonder if certain people fully understand the complexities of the Law relating to a Limited Company - and Directors.

On one point, many are probably wondering if as the Law requires of them, they have acted properly at all times, and rightly so.

It's a lonely thankless task - being an official - who knows what further misfortune could befall you, quite possibly for instance, you could find yourself being held liable for the actions of your fellow officials, whether or not you were actually involved in their decision making process.

As alleged in an earlier posting, one high profile official has already allegedly resigned, now comes the news that two others have allegedly taken the same one small step for the future of real motorcycle road racing, one giant leap for the safety of competitors and spectators - and allegedly resigned - this could soon turn into something resembling the Forsythe Saga, though to be honest when people are nattering away in your ear, it'd probably to easier just to resign.

Well you would resign yourself if other people were allegedly discussing gross negligence, civil proceedings, and criminal proceedings even, huge fines, huge legal fees, and who knows what else.

Next you add into the cake mix, Insurance, because without it, no matter what decision the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure reaches and acts upon - without Insurance - we have no real motorcycle road races anyway.

According to sources within the industry, an insurance company would not make payments if any individuals were found to have been negligent, and therefore those same individuals would allegedly be held liable for any awarded damages, and nor, allegedly, would an insurance company pay for any fines, or legal fees incurred by these same individuals.

And finally for the moment my fellow travellers, the previous insurance company, as used by Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited has allegedly declined to quote for this coming season 2010. And as anyone knows, one of the questions asked by any other insurance company you might approach for a new policy - is of course - has any other insurance company refused to supply you with a quote.

Yes - you're right, as usual, I never would have thought of that - you could lie - allegedly - I jest dear friends, who in our midst would dream of doing such a thing.

Sadly I have to attend to some more pressing issues, lest I get fired from my official position within this very understanding and supportive company, well I am really brilliant - a much loved person around here, if not elsewhere, but as this is such an altogether riveting subject, later, we'll have a closer look at other serious implications that could arise, or perhaps they already have arisen, regarding Insurance, Finance, Liability.

Thursday, 11 February 2010

Motorcycle Real Road Racing Blog by Barbiegirl Northern Ireland
The lovely Ben Wylie whose performances in the Supersport and Superstock classes at last years (2009) TT races earned him the top newcomer tag, has been confirmed as having signed with the Phase One team for this coming season.

He’ll be out on the Yamaha Superbike and Supersport Phase One machines at the North West 200 and the TT, assuming the former event take place. But of course it will, stay calm boys, all is not lost just yet.

His performances at the 2009 TT races saw him end the fortnight as top newcomer. In 2010, he will campaign in the Superbike and Senior TT races for the first time.

Ben will be testing the Yamahas along with his team mate Carl Rennie at the Albacete circuit sometime next month.

Today we are going to embark on a journey of discovery, a flight of fancy, an expedition into the very heart and soul of our sport's Governing Body – a business registered as a Limited Company at Companies House, Belfast, Northern Ireland - and here my friends I must pause to issue a timely health warning - voyagers on this exploration may experience hallucinations, delusion, grandeur, arrogance, hysteria, bewilderment, exasperation, perhaps even animosity, and guys - be advised, this will be the only time you'll ever have a ride with me, and not have to worry about size.

Our first stopover is right here at the terrifying white knuckle ride - 'House of Plenty' - a place of death defying highs and lows, a place of bountiful pleasures, a truly wondrous place where since the beginning of time itself, dinosaurs have allegedly roamed as masters of all they survey, feasted on the gifts of worshipping peasants.

It's on everyone’s top 10 list of favourite white knuckle rides - so let's talk finances - that lovely, lovely commodity we all crave to possess, the stuff that makes the world go around, helps racing motorcycles go around, and around, and around - sends officials here - there - everywhere.

But where does it come from, all that lovely money - do they have a licence to print it? No, No, No, don't be silly now - that would equate to another word not in the vocabulary of many - work. Why would you bother working when you, me, him over there, your granny, and everyone else generously contribute to the pot of bottomless gold?

So, since I hear finances, or rather lack of, being mooted as an excuse for lack of safety measures, wouldn't we all love to hear who foots the bills for the MCUI-UC officials etc who are afforded free accommodation and the rest, including lovely money, all over Ireland and beyond when attending race meetings, and more, more, more?

Is this what the money generated from riders hard earned entry fees cash is used for? Leastways the money from those riders who have to pay entry fees, usually those who can least afford it. No freebies for them, or justice either it seems - leastways, thus far that is.

More than likely, you already realised affiliated clubs pay an affiliation fee to the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited, a business, and this money, allegedly - may or may not be used to finance officials of Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited.

And Government Money, our money, your money, my money - our politicians doling it out on our behalf - a little bird tells me one or two of said politicians are not all happy about the revelations of the inquest, in particular the 'easier to ignore' part. Questions have already even been asked of the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland, as in, what part they played if any, if not – why not, and what part they're to play in the future.

Add into the mix 2 & 4 Wheels described as an umbrella organisation which represents the four governing bodies of regulated motor sport in Northern Ireland on issues which are common to all disciplines. I for one, pray ‘umbrella organisation’ doesn’t translate as ‘quango’ or ‘Northern Ireland Events Company’ – especially so when ’increasing the level of government funding for motor sport’ receives an honorary mention on their official website.

As we pause for a moment, listen carefully – can you believe it – ‘we’re volunteers, we volunteer our time you know – out of the goodness of our hearts’ (They have hearts! Goodness gracious! Who’d have thought it?) ‘We’re amateurs at this game don’t you know, sure didn’t the Coroner say so.’

'This ladies and gentlemen, is a dictionary', the girl proclaims hoisting above her head a mighty tome – within the pages of which she searches out three definitions.

Volunteer - a person who performs a service willingly and without pay.

Amateur - a person who engages in a study, sport, or other activity for pleasure rather than for financial benefit or professional reasons. Also a person inexperienced or unskilled in a particular activity, for example - hunting lions is not for amateurs, nor is being responsible for the safety of competitors' and spectators' at motorcycle road races in Northern Ireland, or anywhere else, I would humbly suggest.

Professional - a person who earns a living in a sport or other occupation frequently engaged in by amateurs.

Your honour - assembled ladies, and gentlemen be so kind to notice that M'learned friends - they who would allegedly claim to be nothing more than humble volunteers working tirelessly for the good of our sport – who would allegedly claim to be mere amateurs – ruling over our sport for the exquisite pleasure it brings forth to their dull, boring lives. Perhaps though your honour, if you wouldn’t actually notice the word ‘working’ – there are many who possibly ought not to be working, volunteering, or receiving money, company perks – after all your honour, all of the aforementioned allegations, have yet to be fully verified.

One also hasn’t established fully if M'learned friends have declared the aforementioned alleged earnings, and company perks to the relevant Governmental Departments, or if the alleged payments, and awarded perks, have been declared by the Limited Company – anywhere within audited accounts. To be honest your honour, even naive little me doesn’t for one minute believe that any professionally managed business, Limited or otherwise, wouldn’t declare such trivial arrangements.

Time for a short break from our journey my friends, but don’t stray to far as soon, we’ll be having a close look at the possible legal implications there might well be in relation to those who allegedly act as directors of a limited company business such as the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited – and we will delve even deeper into the world of Finance.

These issues, including that of allegedly making payments to officials are so worryingly serious, one official has allegedly now taken on the role of ex-official – having allegedly resigned - you want a clue as to who may have allegedly resigned? Cast your mind back to the age of the dinosaurs, when Harris Tweed allegedly first appeared, as did the first wee Austin Healey.

Also on our agenda – Insurance, what was covered by insurance, what is not allegedly covered – thus far.

Sadly, I've work to attend to, another life, food to be consummed, a shower to be taken - powerful jets of gloriousy warm soapy water to wash away the filth from my body.

Monday, 8 February 2010

Motorcycle Real Road Racing Blog by Barbiegirl Northern IrelandAs mentioned in an earlier posting, I was recently banned from a forum because I dared to speak out on cyberspace, and here is the posting they didn't want anyone to read, a posting they deleted - perhaps it's a website that's not so far removed from the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited as some would have us believe.

More than likely, rather than debate, and take action over the following piece of confirmed news, many might prefer to bury their heads in the sand, discuss something else more trivial, and who knows, it just might be the right and proper course of action to take.

After all, it’s a course of action that seems to have worked for more than a hundred years, so why change the habits of a lifetime.

It’s officially been confirmed, in writing, to little insignificant me, that the Senior Coroner Mr. John Leckey has presented his report to the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure. Obviously by now, everyone should have an idea of what recommendations the report probably contains.

The Minister is to consider the points raised by Mr. Leckey, and take on board the views of others before deciding what course of action would be the most appropriate for him to take.

However, it would probably be accurate to say, that based on what’s already gone before, and the already publicly known views of Mr. Leckey, the options open to the Minister would seem to be somewhat restricted.

1) He could simply ban real road racing - on the grounds it presents an unacceptable risk to the competitors and those members of the public who choose to attend the events.

2) He could as has already been suggested, appoint a Health and Safety overseer, complete with several volumes of strict Health and Safety Laws, possibly even new Health and Safety Laws.

Technically, real road racing wouldn’t be banned, but since few, if any circuits would be capable of complying with the aforementioned Health and Safety Laws - it would be - Amen – just the same.

3) He could do nothing, simply ignore the report - the advice - the recommendations - the warnings – but if he were to do that, and we had another catastrophic incident, to whose door will the writs be delivered?

4) He could, and I would applaud him for it, politely request the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited, that's the MCUI-UC – in the best interests of the sport - to go into liquidation, and then he could assist with the formation of a new governing body.

On the other hand, he probably doesn’t actually have those powers, so since I very much doubt that the MCUI-UC will ever do the decent thing – the future for our sport of motorcycle road racing, doesn’t look to rosy - even from a distance.

5) He could have a really, really, really devious plan tucked away up his sleeve – some very, very simple solution to the whole nasty problem. Either that, or something so extremely complex, a mere mortal like me would simply be incapable of comprehending or appreciating the sheer subtle brilliance of the plan.

6) Riders and fans alike have to ensure their voices are heard by the Minister, before it's too late. If you do nothing, and our sport is lost, or severely curtailed, just remember - I told you so!

To paraphrase Gandhi, if you want to make a change, be the best example of that change and others will follow, which is why my thoughts, concerns and suggestions have been on the desk of Mr Nelson McCausland - Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, for the past three weeks.

For any slow learners still in our midst, as per usual, there are those who know - you know!

Motorcycle Real Road Racing Blog by Barbiegirl Northern IrelandMoving on from discussing the most infamous chicane in the history of motorcycle road racing on the island of Ireland will be relatively easy, for some, not for the majority.

Then again, like to many of the 'officials' of the sport I've become acquainted with, I could label the tragedy 'nice guy, what a freak accident, remember him well', then simply file it away in a little dark corner of my mind under the category 'anecdotes' for those back slapping get togethers.

For many of those who've been shocked by reading about the whole sordid affair, the memory will fade away - in time - and those fans who actually witnessed the tragic crash, many will probably never be able to erase it from their minds, and those closest to JD - they will remember him for ever, and rightly so.

Many of those mentioned fans have since come forward, recounted what they'd witnessed - allegations of heated arguments between officials, bales being moved for reasons of safety, bales being returned to their original positions, arrogant officials more interested in maintaining their authority over all others - officials, who after the event, allegedly couldn't remember being told anything sensible by the chief marshal - well you don't when he's nattering away in your ear. Much easier just to ignore somebody like that, many people are allegedly guilty of such practices; problem is though, Richard Nesbitt was the alleged convenor of the road inspection committee for allegedly looking after competitors' and spectators' safety at the Tandragee 100 that Saturday in May 2007.

Each and every one of those fans who had watched from the paddock that day, then had the good sense to move after the first crash - they will each have read the statement by the Senior Coroner - ‘It was by the grace of God that the inquest was not dealing with multiple fatalities.’ - broken out in a cold sweat, shuddered, and rightly have thought - 'It really was by the grace of God that the inquest was not dealing with my fatality.'

So why have a chicane at that particular point on the course in the first place? Hopefully a spectator viewing spectacle and the possibility of a money making venture wasn’t one of the considerations. How many serious accidents have there been on that particular part of the course pre the chicane. Obviously quite a lot if the powers that be deemed it necessary that a chicane was needed for safety reasons, but it would still be interesting to know the exact number, and wouldn't it also be interesting to know how much money it raises each year, if any.

And whilst on the subject of money, more than one source has suggested finances, or rather lack of, being mooted as another excuse for lack of safety measures - straw bales are I'm quite sure, considerably cheaper than a professional interlocked safety barrier system, and something else I'd love to hear an answer to - is who foots the bills for those MCUI officials etc who are afforded free accommodation and the rest, all over Ireland and beyond when attending race meetings?

Instead of money being squandered on officials, it should have been used for safety equipment, then perhaps there wouldn't have been this tragedy, and our sport of real road racing might just have a future.

Mr Michael Maxwell, barrister for the family of John Donnan, also questioned the safety measures put in place to protect competitors and continued by saying. “It is unclear to me whether any particular individual or body has to be satisfied by law that the safety measures put in place are adequate to protect as far as possible competitors and members of the public. Does the fact that the bales used in the construction of the temporary chicane could be moved out of place, indicate that this mode of chicane was not fit for the purpose? If that is so in respect of a chicane constructed for the Tandragee 100 then almost certainly it is true for all chicanes constructed in a similar manner."

"The question must be asked" he continued, "as to whether it is acceptable in the 21st Century to have motorcycle races on public roads, bearing in mind the speed of modern motor racing motorcycles; the nature of public roads; the unpredictable consequences of mechanical failure, a competitor losing control of his machine or a crash involving a number of competitors and the difficulty of ensuring spectator safety particularly where spectators are allowed to be positioned close to the racing.”

If the foregoing doesn't ring very loud alarm bells, there's something wrong with you - quite possibly, you're an official of the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited, you know the type, probably got bored with the coroner nattering away, much easier to ignore him, what does Northern Ireland's Senior Coroner know about safety anyway, or real road racing for that matter - nothing, that's what.

The MCUI-UC gravy train is in imminent danger of being derailed, hopefully by one of it's own chicanes - those who've been enjoying long standing competitors and fans funded lifestyles, should dismount at the next station, the one just before the train wreck, the one just before they bury our sport of motorcycle road racing, instead of burying themselves.

We're all tired of the old 'freak accident' disclaimer these idiots trot out, this is 2010, it's outdated, as are the aforementioned dinosaur officials.

Many say there are no such things as accidents, there are only stupid people whose stupid judgement calls cause serious incidents, such as the crash at this ludicrously dangerous chicane.

Sunday, 7 February 2010

Motorcycle Real Road Racing Blog by Barbiegirl Northern IrelandFirst of all, if during the course of my postings here it appears to some that I may be tarring all motorcycle road racing officials with the same brush - that is most definitely not the case - so if I've given that impression, my apologies to those hardworking honest caring officials in our midst.

However, there are those other officials, who should do the decent thing - hang their heads in shame and resign their posts - and do it NOW!'

Every morning since the revelations of the inquest I've listened intently to the local news reports, read the local papers and still the headline so many desire has failed to appear: MCUI-UC Officials Resign. Tony Harvey and Richard Nesbitt along with the rest of the Safety Committee and Roads Inspection Committee, have finally all done the honourable thing, and resigned from their positions within the MCUI-UC. As if!

Strange is it not, how under the auspices of the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited, our beloved sport of real motorcycle road racing has survived for so many years, and this despite the huge toll of injured riders, and fans there've been along the way - many so terribly injured they've never fully recovered - and so, so many fatalities - riders and fans, yet for some unexplained reason I'm unable to name one person, one company, that's ever been held to account.

Perhaps though, in this new Millennium in which we find ourselves, a wind of change has started to blow through this wee country of ours, a strong wind that will uproot those who have brought our sport into disrepute, and rid them forever from the sport of real motorcycle road racing.

It was allegedly, Richard Nesbitt, alleged convenor of the road inspection committee for allegedly looking after competitors' and spectators' safety for the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited, who in court allegedly claimed there was nothing more stable available in 2007.

An amazing claim by any standards, in my opinion of course, and a claim worthy of some further investigation - just take a moment to digest that one little snippet of alleged evidence - allegedly, nothing more stable than straw bales was available in the year 2007 for the construction of a chicane at a high speed real road race event!

The lap record for the Tandragee 100 currently exceeds 106mph. That, ladies and gentlemen, is the average speed of a high powered racing motorcycle around 5.34375 miles of narrow, twisty, bumpy country roads in Northern Ireland. The concentration required to negotiate such a high powered 160mph plus motorcycle around 5.34375 miles of narrow, twisty, bumpy country roads in approximately 3 minutes, is unimaginable to mere mortals like the rest of us, and that is why our sport requires, no - demands to be protected from those people who don't appear to know the meaning of the word - SAFETY.

Since doubting so very much that interlocked barriers were not available before 2007 - with the assistance of friends, I conducted a little research which led me to a UK based company manufacturing interlocking barriers for all types of motorsport purposes.

It can therefore be confirmed, an integrated track barrier system designed to cover all aspects of safety on any race track, was available in the United Kingdom - prior to 2007.

It was, and still is described as being safe, durable and cost-effective. Whatever your track formation, our track barrier system remains interlocked without any gaps, protrusions or obstacles, providing a solid all-in-one track wall for maximum safety.
All our rota-barrier track barriers are lightweight and easy to handle, yet remain durable and are water or ballast fillable for stability. We can make them in your own customised colours and deliver them to your track anywhere in the world.

All of the foregoing information was published pre 2007 and at that time it also clearly stated: Rota-Barrier Track Barriers in use at the famous Isle of Man T.T. Races - Pre 2007

So I ask again, why did Richard Nesbitt, alleged convenor of the road inspection committee for looking after competitors' and spectators' safety for the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) limited allegedly claim there was nothing more stable available in 2007? More stable than white painted straw bales that is. Surely this doesn't mean the alleged convenor of the road inspection committee for looking after competitors' and spectators' safety for the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limted, committed perjury in Court! Even this cynic finds that one difficult to believe.

It also transpires that an interlocking barrier system was allegedly being used at the Athea road races, also within the Island of Ireland, in 2005, an event held under the auspices of the MCUI, yet Richard Nesbitt, in court allegedly claimed there was nothing more stable available in 2007.

Presumably though, he could claim, due to an incident involving Donegals' Ray Porter in 2005, the interlocking barrier system had been found to be also totally unsafe, but that would mean the MCUI-UC had since passed it as safe for use at Tandragee - after John Donnan's tragic crash, courtesy of the insane straw bale chicane.

So, perhaps we could now have a definitive answer from the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited - was the interlocking barrier system used for the Tandragee chicane, post 2007 - safe, or downright dangerous.

If it is the latter, the MCUI-UC have continued to put riders, and spectators lives at risk, and therefore it should not be used ever again due to the simple fact that should there be another fatality, the verdict would more than likely be wilful manslaughter. Further more, the manufacturers would, by law, have to be informed of the dangers posed by their products.

If it has in fact been deemed as being safe for use by the MCUI, and was in use, in Ireland in 2005, why then did a Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Limited safety official allegedly tell the Senior Coroner for Northern Ireland - there was nothing more stable available in 2007.

Either the interlocking barrier system when properly assembled by sane sensible, caring people, is safe, or it isn't, but even I know, God forbid, if idiots were permitted to assemble it - we all wince at the thought.

In the hands of a sane sensible person, a loaded gun is safe - but in the hands of an idiot, it can kill.

For those who may be unfamiliar with the layout of the 5.34375 miles Tandragee 100 motorcycle road racing public roads circuit, here for reference purposes only - a diagram - a map of the Tandragee 100 real road racing circuit.